Disclaimer: This is mostly an objective analysis on the comedic appeal of crudely drawn penises. This article is not meant to be an opinion piece on whether the author finds them to be funny or not, nor is it a statement on whether you the reader should find them to be funny or not.

The most recognizable drawing in the world would probably be the simple outline of a male phallus. With history dating back as far as possibly the 6th century BC, the penis drawing has been a staple of graffiti all this time. There have been many artistic reasons for the depictions of the male phallus throughout history, but it has also been the subject of crude humor, an immature act used to vandalize the world and the surrounding we live in.

In the modern era, a lot of young boys and men (and sometimes women) will draw penises on things. The reasoning for why they do it can vary from person to person, but a core aspect is the fact that it is meant to be funny. But this can be inherently problematic for several reasons. Things sexual in nature are typically taboo in the social norm. They can also serve as tools of abuse and discomfort in the wrong circumstance. As in any formal environment (asides from artistic or academic settings), things related to sex are typically avoided. So drawing penises is more so a representation of immaturity. Adults have an understanding of appropriateness, so immaturity is often seen as a deviation of what is the social norm. And immaturity is seen as someone who is not yet ready to contribute to society.

Going back to about how penises can be a symbol of abuse. It’s no secret that patriarchy has been mostly prevalent throughout history. A lot of the world is still mostly male dominant. Body parts exclusive to one sex or the other are often symbols used to represent the respective genders. Depictions of penises can naturally make people uncomfortable as they could represent oppressive ideals. So people will generally find drawing a of penises to be not funny since to them, there is no comedic element in it. There is no twist or ironic element. There is no appeal.

There is also a lack of creativity when it comes to the average penis drawings. A shaft and two circles is very simplistic. It lacks the nuance of more complex humor found in a cleverly told joke or a funny meme that invokes relatability through trendy topics.

In conclusion, penis drawings aren’t funny…

Or are they? *cues Vsauce music*

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